Cowboy Cafe

Midwest Living Review

Kendra L. Williams

Old-school diner food and reasonable prices reward patrons willing to wait for a table at this busy spot.

We're guessing the menu hasn't changed much through the years at this comfort-food staple in Medora, and that's fine with us. The walls in a dining room that can't hold more than a couple of dozen patrons are covered with framed photographs of real-life cowboys. Wood booths line the walls and anchor the center of the room, leaving just enough space for busy but friendly servers to run back and forth to the tiny kitchen. The food here will remind you of a Sunday dinner at your grandmother's house, so check calorie counting at the door and order up a hot beef sandwich, a roast beef wonder smothered in gravy and served with buttery mashed potatoes. Leave room for pie (the banana cream comes with thick, real whipped cream). You also won't go wrong with the soup of the day; be sure if you order a bison burger to specify that you want cheese, or it'll come bone dry. Whatever you order, you won't end up spending more than $10 per person, including dessert.The lines outside the wood-sided building are a testament to the cafe's quality. But call before you go. Winter 2010-11 marks the first time Medora is staying open during the winter, but some businesses will remain seasonal.